Fort Benton's powerful mercantile companies, I. G. Baker & Company and T. C. Power & Brother, supplied independent American traders who set up illegal whiskey trading post in Canada's North West Territories.  The lawlessness of this activity culminated with the 1873 Cypress Hills Massacre and the creation of the NWMP.  The NWMP established Fort Walsh in 1875 to enforce Canadian law, implement Canada's Indian Policy, and establish Canadian sovereignty.  

 




From 1878 to 1882 Fort Walsh served as headquarters of the NWMP.  The NWMP depended upon the powerful Fort Benton companies.  Using several teams of oxen pulling three linked wagon known a "bull trains," the American companies hauled tons of supplies and merchandise along a deeply rutted overland route then know at the Fort Benton Trail.  This trail was also a vital communication route linking Fort Walsh to the Canadian government in Ottawa until the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railroad when Fort Walsh Closed